Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SHB 1357
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Regarding the designation of "social worker.".
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Dickerson, Orwall, Walsh, Moeller, Kenney and Wood).
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
Social Worker Licensure.
The Department of Health (DOH) licenses two major categories of social workers:
licensed advanced social workers, whose work includes the application of social work theory and methods, certain psychotherapy, case management, advocacy, and counseling; and
licensed independent clinical social workers, whose work includes both advanced social work and the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders for individuals, couples, families, groups, or organizations.
In addition, the DOH licenses associates who work under supervision: licensed social worker associate-advanced and licensed social worker associate-independent clinical.
To be licensed as an advanced social worker or independent clinical social worker, or as an associate, an applicant must meet the educational, supervised experience, and examination requirements specified for the category of licensure. Educational requirements include graduation from a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate social work educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and approved by the DOH. (The Council on Social Work Education is a nonprofit association recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States.)
A person is prohibited from representing himself or herself as a licensed advanced social worker or a licensed independent clinical social worker, or as a licensed associate, unless he or she is licensed by the DOH. Violators are subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act for unlicensed practice and for complaints alleging unprofessional conduct or violations of the standards of practice.
Employment of Social Workers.
Many public agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the public schools, employ persons in social worker job titles. These positions are described in various ways using either functional or education-based definitions. Similarly, Washington law may require social workers, like other listed professionals in private or public employment, to report instances of patient or client abuse or neglect, or the law may authorize social workers, as one of a list of mental health professionals, to assist in determining a person's mental capacity.
Degree-Granting Institutions.
As directed by statute, the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) adopts minimum standards for institutions granting degrees beyond the secondary level. Under this law, degree-granting institutions operating in Washington must be accredited or have a waiver or exemption from the HECB. A person or entity that grants degrees without authorization from the HECB is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, a person willfully violating the chapter is subject to a civil penalty of up to $100 per violation per day to be imposed by the HECB or a court. A violation of the chapter is also a Consumer Protection Act violation.
Summary of Bill:
A provision is added to the Higher Education Coordinating Board's authority to regulate degree-granting institutions that prohibits, beginning July 1, 2010, a person from representing himself or herself as a social worker unless he or she is qualified as a social worker. A social worker is qualified by either:
being licensed as an advanced social worker or an independent clinical social worker under Washington law; or
having graduated with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
A person employed under the job title of "social worker" on the bill's effective date is exempt from the prohibition as long as he or she continues employment in the same position and under the same job description and title held on that date.
Public agencies and private entities doing business in Washington may not use any form of the "social worker" title to designate volunteer or employment positions, or within contracts or other documents, unless the person working in the position is qualified as a social worker.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2010.